Powered by second-hand studs and stockings, Mustafa Shaikh (14) and his brother Pasha (13) turned out to be the stars in St Rock's High School's (Andheri) 2-0 win over Jankidevi Public School (Andheri)
St Rock's Pasha (left) and Mustafa Shaikh during the MSSAu00c3u00a2u00c2u0080u00c2u0088Div IV U-16 tie against Jankidevi at Azad Maidan yesterday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
St Rock's Pasha (left) and Mustafa Shaikh during the MSSAâu00c2u0080u00c2u0088Div IV U-16 tie against Jankidevi at Azad Maidan yesterday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
Powered by second-hand studs and stockings, Mustafa Shaikh (14) and his brother Pasha (13) turned out to be the stars in St Rock's High School's (Andheri) 2-0 win over Jankidevi Public School (Andheri) in the Mumbai Schools Sports Association Div IV U-16 inter-school football tournament at Azad Maidan yesterday.
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The Shaikh brothers' performance also saw their side progress to the Round of 32.
Prior to the tournament, the young lads, sons of construction workers Ismail and Wazirna Shaikh had no football gear. The parents, who earn their daily wages working in buildings in Sahar couldn't manage to buy shoes or stockings. The team also couldn't afford to stitch jerseys and hence played with imitation ones of a Premier League club.
No turning back
However, Pasha and Mustafa managed to grab used shoes and stockings with the help of their coach Vilas Palkaya. From thereon there was no turning back.
Striker Pasha scored twice during the match, with both assists coming from his brother. The first goal came about when Mustafa put a ball over the top which Pasha headed in, while the second was a result of a genius through ball by Mustafa to his younger sibling, who made no mistake in rounding Jankidevi 'keeper Atharva Mathre and then tapped it in. Palkaya said his team could get promoted this year provided the brothers continue to fire in the coming matches.
"I think I have a great team with me here particularly Pasha and Mustafa. "We have a good chance to get promoted. They have difficulties with finances, but they make it up with their hard work," Palkaya told mid-day.
Money matters
Meanwhile, Pasha pointed out that his parents give them all the liberty they want when it comes to football; cost though remains a hurdle. "Our parents allow us to play football. But when money comes in between, they are reluctant to send us," he said.
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